For quite a while, I have been thinking about how to improve this blog. Quite some bloggers decide to ask people to become co-bloggers when they want to revive their blogs: fresh blood, new discussions, new insights… in short, several people joining forces. That, of course, is a great way of raising one’s blog to a higher level. Although this was certainly an option, I … [Read more...] about A New Columnist
Equal Rights for Robots… NOW!
I had no idea, but it seems that carrying a sign that says "Equal Rights for Robots" can get you arrested: On April 18th, I was arrested. This normally wouldn’t be big news, but the situation arround which I was arrested brings up serious questions. I was arrested at Kutztown University, where I am a student, because I decided to try to liven the mood after the Life and … [Read more...] about Equal Rights for Robots… NOW!
Diplomatic Negotiations 101
As I have said many times in this space and others, Iraq’s civil strife will be resolved by diplomatic measures not warfare. Here are some tips from Dennis Ross, one of the best negotiators in the business:When one looks at U.S. foreign policy and our standing in the world today, it is hard to escape the conclusion that the Bush administration has not exactly excelled in the … [Read more...] about Diplomatic Negotiations 101
If It’s Too Good To Be True It Isn’t
Sheik Abdel Sittar Baziya is a key Anbar leader (HERE'S ANOTHER TAKE ON THE SUBJECT OF THE POST BELOW -- GOOD NEWS DISGUISED AS BAD) There's an old saying that if it’s too good to be true then it probably isn't. So it comes as no surprise that it the so-called Anbar Awakening is a racket where money talks the loudest and when the money runs out so will its … [Read more...] about If It’s Too Good To Be True It Isn’t
Here’s something that might surprise you…
...The Bush administration is not enforcing its own sanctions against Iran. … [Read more...] about Here’s something that might surprise you…
Majority of Republicans Don’t Believe in Evolution
According to a gallup poll, the majority of Republicans does not believe the theory of evolution to be true. Quite remarkable, one could say, is that "even among non-Republicans there appears to be a significant minority who doubt that evolution adequately explains where humans came from." Funny enough, "about a quarter of Americans say they believe both in evolution's … [Read more...] about Majority of Republicans Don’t Believe in Evolution
Death Penalty Works as Deterrent
The AP has a fascinating article up about the death penalty. As those who read this blog for several months (and read my contributions to TMV) know, I am an opponent of the death penalty, mainly for two reasons: - I find the death penalty to be immoral. I would say that we - in the West - are above an eye for an eye - I do not want to give the power to the government to kill … [Read more...] about Death Penalty Works as Deterrent
A Government Of Lies Not Men
RJ Matson, The St. Louis Post Dispatch … [Read more...] about A Government Of Lies Not Men
Illegally Blonde: Was Justice Served?
THE LAW IS AN ASS -- Charles Dickens As did the O.J. Simpson murders and other high-profile cases before it, the jailing, home detention and reincarceration of Paris Hilton has provided another window into the American legal system, and once again many of its flaws and outright biases have been on display for all the world to see and fulminate over. We need to be … [Read more...] about Illegally Blonde: Was Justice Served?
The Sopranos’ Finale: David Chase Literally Fades To Black
NOTE: TMV was down last night. This was written right after viewing the final episode. So now "The Sopranos" is over. And the ending is likely to be talked about for years. Some will love it. Some will hate it. But it isn't as if creator/writer/director David Chase didn't warn us. In an ending worthy of the late Alfred Hitchcock, Chase ends The Sopranos with Tony … [Read more...] about The Sopranos’ Finale: David Chase Literally Fades To Black
Colin Powell: I Would Shut Guantanamo
On his Meet The Press appearance yesterday Colin Powell makes the case that Guantanamo needs to be closed ASAP -- but stresses that this doesn't mean letting them go...just putting them in the U.S.' established justice system: … [Read more...] about Colin Powell: I Would Shut Guantanamo
Mid East Rumors
Yaakov Kirschen, The Jerusalem Post, Dry Bones … [Read more...] about Mid East Rumors
Buckley: Free Libby Now!
One of the greatest political (/conservative) thinkers of the last century William F. Buckley, wrote a column for National Review in which he calls on Bush to pardon Libby. Buckley essentially argues that although Libby broke the law, he should be pardoned, because, here it comes, he caused no real harm and he is not a bad guy. O, and the ones who say that Libby should go to … [Read more...] about Buckley: Free Libby Now!
Lieberman: Iran Should Be Bombed If It Meddles In Iraq
Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman says the U.S. should consider bombing Iran if it meddles in Iraq, a statement that's bound to create some controversy. But is it merely a statement or is it reflecting a likelihood being talked about in administration circles? Here's what Lieberman said: The United States should launch military strikes against Iran if the government … [Read more...] about Lieberman: Iran Should Be Bombed If It Meddles In Iraq
Political Punks
A useful word that has fallen into disfavor, “punk†should be revived for the current political discourse over Iran. The loose-lipped Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad certainly fits the primary definition of an inexperienced, combative young thug. Over here, we have his aging American counterpart Sen. Joe Lieberman, who has never seen a Middle East confrontation … [Read more...] about Political Punks
How Will The Sopranos (And Tony Soprano) End?
All good things come to an end...and so do great things like HBO's landmark series "The Sopranos." Creator David Chase has been smart: unlike some TV series that limp off the air having run out of creative steam, "The Sopranos" ends tonight during a darkly-scripted season where the writing and acting are at their peak. The Sopranos remains one of the best dramas to have … [Read more...] about How Will The Sopranos (And Tony Soprano) End?
Center of Attention
A round up of recent reporting and commentary by a few centrist, moderate, and independent bloggers. Nancy Hanks offers a round up of "Conversations on Independence." Justin Gardner thinks Newt may be forecasting a Ron Paul nomination. Michael Stickings gets "up-close-and-personal" on environmental and energy concerns, while McQ suggests that the best option may be to … [Read more...] about Center of Attention
Hillary: Neoconnish
Matthew Yglesias explains why Hillary Clinton is "a bit too neoconnish" for his taste. In short, one of Clinton's major financial backers is Haim Saban. Saban said that Ahmadinejad reminds him of Hitler ("When I see Ahmadinejad, I see Hitler. They speak the same language"), that it is clear what drives Ahmadinejad (the return of the Mahdi by annihilating Israel) and that, … [Read more...] about Hillary: Neoconnish
A Lawsuit Over An Election
Well, not quite an "election" -- unless the word is mispronounced... WARNING: Adult oriented AP story explains it at THIS LINK. … [Read more...] about A Lawsuit Over An Election
Guess Who The New $5 Million Political Man Is?
With this big a bankroll, he can no longer be considered an oddity. Did you guess that it's him? … [Read more...] about Guess Who The New $5 Million Political Man Is?